How to do a compression test
#1
How to do a compression test
In this "how to" I'm going to show you the proper way of testing your cars compression. There are many different ways of doing this, but I'm going to show to the way that works best for me today.
First your going to want to buy a GOOD compression tester (bought mine for $20 at princess auto a few years ago)
Take the spark plug out... ONLY ONE and from only ONE SIDE if you have the 91-93 DIS engine (exhaust side since it's easy)
Next, screw the end of the compression tester into the spark plug hole. You don't have to tighten it down really hard, finger tight works just fine.
Next you'll want find a place were the pressure release valve wont be pushed down and that the tester wont be caught in something rotating.
Make sure to have the coil unplugged, because you DON'T want the car running.
Now go into the car, hold the pedal at WOT, and crank the car over for 5-10 seconds while at WOT. Once the time has passed, stop cranking the car over and go record your compression results.
Woooo 140psi.... Thats ok. My rule of thumb, if its under 110psi, it's either time for a rebuild, or your valve timing is off.
Now put the spark plug back in and move to the next one.
Heres the rest of what my test came out as.
cylinder #2
cylinder #3
cylinder #4
If you want to check your rings do the test, then drop some oil down the cylinder, and if the compression raises a fair amount, then it's safe to say your rings are going or need to be replaced.
Hope this helps you guys and gals.
First your going to want to buy a GOOD compression tester (bought mine for $20 at princess auto a few years ago)
Take the spark plug out... ONLY ONE and from only ONE SIDE if you have the 91-93 DIS engine (exhaust side since it's easy)
Next, screw the end of the compression tester into the spark plug hole. You don't have to tighten it down really hard, finger tight works just fine.
Next you'll want find a place were the pressure release valve wont be pushed down and that the tester wont be caught in something rotating.
Make sure to have the coil unplugged, because you DON'T want the car running.
Now go into the car, hold the pedal at WOT, and crank the car over for 5-10 seconds while at WOT. Once the time has passed, stop cranking the car over and go record your compression results.
Woooo 140psi.... Thats ok. My rule of thumb, if its under 110psi, it's either time for a rebuild, or your valve timing is off.
Now put the spark plug back in and move to the next one.
Heres the rest of what my test came out as.
cylinder #2
cylinder #3
cylinder #4
If you want to check your rings do the test, then drop some oil down the cylinder, and if the compression raises a fair amount, then it's safe to say your rings are going or need to be replaced.
Hope this helps you guys and gals.
#2
how does the psi convert to a comp ratio? for example, o have a bone stock 85 2.3 mustang n/a and i just had .162 shaved off the head and a 5 angle valve job done.. it pushes 175psi at on the lowest cyl.. i asked around a bit but i havent a clue.
#3
stock is 9.5:1, and then you need to calculate the new CC's over the old CC's of the combustion chamber. It should be on google if you search (guessing 9.7:1 ratio or a little less for you)
#4
You might also note that if you are cheching compression because you think you might have killed a head gasket then take all the spark plugs out.
Gaskets are known to blow from cylinder to cylinder and if you don't have the plugs out it can give you a false high reading. FWIW
Gaskets are known to blow from cylinder to cylinder and if you don't have the plugs out it can give you a false high reading. FWIW
#6
You might also note that if you are cheching compression because you think you might have killed a head gasket then take all the spark plugs out.
Gaskets are known to blow from cylinder to cylinder and if you don't have the plugs out it can give you a false high reading. FWIW
Gaskets are known to blow from cylinder to cylinder and if you don't have the plugs out it can give you a false high reading. FWIW
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AMAlexLazarus
AmericanMuscle.com
0
10-01-2015 09:21 AM
MustangForums Editor
GT350 S550 Tech
1
09-29-2015 03:29 PM